You are here

SWAC reacts to sanctions

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In a news release acknowledging the sanctions levied against the Penn State football program, the SWAC on Monday expressed its condolences to the victims of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who was convicted on 45 of 48 counts of child molestation, and their families.

“It is the hope that with today’s actions by the NCAA, the victims can begin to heal,” the release read. “While closure may be far away, perhaps this small measure of justice will aid in moving those affected in a positive direction.”

The vacation of late coach Joe Paterno’s victories dating back to 1998 now leaves late Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson as the winningest Division I Bowl or Championship Subdivision coach of all-time with 408 victories, one less than Paterno had before the sanctions. Paterno, who died in January, now has 298 wins, ranking 12th across all divisions.

“The NCAA, President (Mark) Emmert and the Executive Committee sent a clear message today with their decision,” SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp said. “It is our hope that going forward, all member institutions in the NCAA will take proper steps to ensure that nothing like this happens again in the future.”